Stratford, Tattnall Set for Last Meeting as GISA Members
MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – It’s a rivalry that dates back to 1973.
Other than the ’75, ’76 and ’83 seasons, Tattnall and Stratford have played every year in the regular season. A few times, they’ve even played in the state playoffs.
“It’s been a big rivalry for Tattnall for a long time,” says Tattnall senior Jake Allen, who plays wide receiver and cornerback for the Trojans. “My dad played here, and I’ve kind of followed his legacy.”
Less than five miles separates the two campuses. Most of the players gew up playing youth sports together. Some go to the same church.
“It’s definitely more of an intense practice,” says Stratford senior Thomas Williams, who plays fullback and linebacker for the Eagles. “We know them, and they know us.”
“I like a lot of (their) guys,” says Tattnall senior Dakota Long, who plays linebacker and tight end. “But it’s still a rivalry–just having bragging rights over the Macon area.”
Last year, it was Stratford who got the bragging rights with a 16-14 win that snapped a 9-game losing streak in the series.
“We lost to them my sophomore year in the state championship,” says Stratford senior William Hicks, who plays defensive end. “That was rough, so it was really good to come back and beat them last year, and I’m hoping we can do the same thing this year.”
Not only does the winner of this game have bragging rights as both teams head to the GHSA next season, but historically, the Tattnall-Stratford winner has a good shot at walking away with the region title.
“At the end of the day, just go out there, take care of business and play against Tattnall just like every other year,” Williams says.
For those worried about whether these teams will continue the series next year, both head coaches say while schedules haven’t been set yet, it’s just hard to envision a future without “Tattnall vs. Stratford.”
Another Macon private school, Mount de Sales, is also preparing for a move to the GHSA next season. Right now, the Cavs are tied with Stratford and Tattnall at the top of the GISA Region 2, AAA standings.
The Eagles and Trojans kick off Friday night at 7:30 at Tattnall Square Academy. It’s the 41First Alert Weather App Game of the Week!
In our 6 p.m. newscast Friday, you’ll hear from both head coaches in this week’s Coaches Corner, and later that night at 11:15, catch highlights from there and all over middle Georgia on The Endzone presented by the Dozier Law Firm!
If you have a Sports Spotlight idea, e-mail Tucker at sports@41nbc.com.
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